It’s been a while since we’ve had a new The Haunted album. The last, Exit Wounds was released three years ago in 2014 & the world of extreme metal has grown in strength since then. The question that comes to mind with the release of Strength in Numbers is if The Haunted can keep up.

It’s hard to get too excited about the melodic metal intro, Fill the Darkness with Black even if the guitar work is stellar. It’s a bit of a pointless piece of music mainly because all you want is The Haunted to open up a can of whoop-ass on your senses.

Thankfully it doesn’t take them long to break out the can-opener as Brute Force absolutely explodes with skull-crushing heaviness. Extremely fast, hard & heavy riffs alongside some seriously pissed off sounding vocals. It’s a real showing of strength from the legendary band.

They seem intent on causing harm with screaming solos & burning-hot groove. Spark grabs the extreme metal baton & races off before many other bands can even take their marks. A stunning track & the best on the album.

Strength in Numbers is not just heavy for heaviness’ sake. The Haunted are fighting for their position at the table of extreme metal so are laying everything bare. It works for the most part though. The album while produced well has a raw feel to things. The sound of a band acknowledging their roots without becoming a nostalgia act.

Tracks like Tighten the Noose, This is End & Means to an End are powerful & hard-hitting slabs of metal but lack impact. They’re solid…the album is solid but it’s not one you’ll be listening too months or even weeks down the line.

It’s not a release that is going to chance the direction of extreme metal but is a fine reminder that The Haunted can throw records like this out with veritable ease.

The Haunted – Strength in Numbers Full Track Listing:

1. Fill the Darkness With Black 2. Brute Force 3. Spark 4. Preachers of Death 5. Strength in Numbers 6. Tighten the Noose 7. This is the End 8. The Fall 9. Means to an End 10. Monuments

Strength in Numbers is out & now & can be picked up from all major music music sites & streaming services. You can also preview the tracks below via Apple Music below. Head over to the band’s website, Facebook Page & Twitter Timeline to keep up to date with news & tour dates.

Track Of The Week: Black Dracula - EYE/Animation Version from Black Dracula EP by Upcdownc

You can pick up the Black Dracula EP for free on Bandcamp where you can also pick up their latest album 'I, Awake' as well as previous work. You can find out much more about the band on Facebook, Twitter, their website & YouTube.